Partial Victory to Marinduquenos and to the Filipino People!

Sangguniang Panlalawigan declares 50-Year Mining Moratorium in Marinduque, condemns Supreme Court’s reversal of decision on the unconstitutionality of the Mining Act

The Marinduque Council for Environmental Concerns (MACEC) announces the adoption of a Resolution Declaring a 50-Year Mining Moratorium in the Province of Marinduque. The historic Resolution was adopted at 1:30 P.M. October 28, 2005 by the 10th Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Marinduque.

The Resolution also condemns the Supreme Court’s reversal of its previous decision on the unconstitutionality of some provisions of the Mining Act of 1995.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan also includes in the Resolution the proposal of MACEC "that in order to strengthen such legislation, it is also resolved that certain portions of the Central Marinduque Area be declared as provincial special agricultural zone, special biodiversity protected area, special eco-tourism zone and other special areas as may be determined in an appropriate provincial land use policy”, subject to subsequent legislation.”
 
It also culled MACEC’s proposal "that in order to successfully implement the spirit and intent of a 50-year mining-free policy, it is also resolved that the abandoned mining area be declared as a provincial special economic zone where medium-scale environment-friendly enterprises may be established to spur the economic and industrial activities in the province," subject to subsequent legislations.
  
MACEC Executive Secretary Myke R. Magalang addressed the august Body where he articulated the Resolution of the organization calling for a mining moratorium. He formally submits the 15,500 signatures of Marinduqueño opposing the resumption of mining operation in the Province. His 15-minute speech before the Body was made a reference during the nominal voting of the eight (8) Board Members who attended the 54th Regular Session.

MACEC also submitted to the Sangguniang Panlalwigan a Pastoral Letter of Bishop Reynaldo G. Evangelista, D.D. and Resolutions from the Sangguniang Bayans of Boac, Mogpog, Gasan, Buenavista, and Torrijos, which vehemently oppose the re-entry of mining companies in the province.

Msgr. Senen Malapad, Executive Chairman of MACEC, hails the decision of the Provincial Board, saying that “this is a partial victory of the Marinduqueños and all those organizations who have consistently supported our cause. But this is only a partial victory because the national policy on the revitalization of mining industry of the Arroyo Administration still exists. This decision of the Sangguniang Panlalwigan gives impetus to all Marinduqueños to strengthen our struggle in defending our patrimony .”


Reference:

Myke R. Magalang
Executive Secretary
Marinduque Council for Environmental Concerns
(042) 332-1513

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A COPY OF THE RESOLUTION